Colletotrichum anthracnose is a persistent constraint on cassava root yield and planting material quality in humid tropical systems, where calendar-based management often leads to poorly timed or excessive fungicide use. This study developed and pilot-tested the Cassava Anthracnose Risk Index (CARI), a stage-sensitive, persistence-adjusted early-warning framework integrating low-cost environmental sensing with structured visual severity scoring for climate-smart, input-reduced disease management. Microclimate sensors were deployed at CSIR-CRI Fumesua, Ghana, across a 13-month rainfed crop cycle (March 2025 – April 2026) using the susceptible landrace Debo. A stage-weighted Environmental Risk Subscore (ERS; 0–600 points, ERS%) was constructed from six environmental components, moderated by a persistence factor requiring sustained infection-favorable conditions, and stratified across three growth stages. A Visual Symptom Subscore (VSS; 0–40) was derived from standardised weekly severity assessments of 15 sentinel plants, integrated into a composite CARI (0–100) with stage-specific alert thresholds. Across 73 valid Stage 3 monitoring days, CARI classified all observations as Low Risk and issued no Amber or Red alerts, including on 37 of 73 days with sustained nocturnal high-humidity conditions that would have triggered a precautionary alert under a simple threshold approach. In the single confirmed disease episode observed, an approximately one-day interval separated the highest environmental risk signal from confirmed symptom onset; this is not presented as a validated lag value, a preceding 25-day sensor outage means antecedent conditions cannot be characterised. CARI did not issue an intervention recommendation during this episode (11–24 February 2026) because concurrent environmental risk remained below the Amber threshold. Published decision support systems for Colletotrichum anthracnose in other pathosystems report fungicide reductions of 30–70% relative to calendar-based approaches; these figures are cited only for benchmarking and were not measured here, as no comparative fungicide trial was conducted. These results provide proof of concept for the technical operability of CARI and identify the dataset and analyses required for formal predictive evaluation in a planned multi-season study; they should not be interpreted as evidence of CARI’s predictive accuracy or input-reduction performance.
Soil salinity raises reactive oxygen species and limits crop performance. Green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) may help, but whether combining them with fulvic acid or ascorbic acid adds real benefit is unclear. We measured oxidative stress and antioxidant responses in sweet corn under non-saline and saline conditions across nine treatments: an untreated control, foliar or irrigation-applied ZnO NPs, ZnO NPs combined with fulvic acid or ascorbic acid, and each organic acid applied alone. We tracked leaf hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD). Salinity, treatment, and their interaction significantly affected H 2 O 2, SOD, and CAT (p < 0.001). POD showed significant treatment and interaction effects (p < 0.001) but no significant salinity main effect (p = 0.135). Salinity raised H 2 O 2 in the untreated control by 68.5%. Under salinity, irrigation-applied ZnO NPs with ascorbic acid cut H 2 O 2 by 66.2%, and the foliar combinations with fulvic acid and ascorbic acid cut it by 65.6% and 64.8%. Foliar ZnO NPs with ascorbic acid raised SOD by 41% and CAT by 132.6% relative to the saline control, giving the strongest combined SOD-CAT response. Foliar ZnO NPs combined with ascorbic acid produced high SOD and CAT responses and low H 2 O 2 accumulation. Foliar ZnO NPs combined with fulvic acid and irrigation-applied ZnO NPs combined with ascorbic acid also produced significant biochemical responses under salinity. These responses depended on formulation and application method.
Carlos Frey, Lucía López-López, Andrea Martínez-Toral, José Luis Acebes
Trichomes have rarely been considered as components of pre-attachment resistance mechanisms against parasitic plants, and their potential role in host defense has scarcely been addressed in reviews of trichome function. In this study, we investigated the interaction between tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Minibel’) and the parasitic plant Cuscuta campestris. Analyses focused on trichome distribution and the structural modifications they undergo at various stages of infestation and host resistance. Parasite–host contact may occur through the direct attachment of Cuscuta seedlings following germination (primary parasitism), or via lateral branches originating from previously infested hosts (secondary parasitism). Primary parasitism on tomato stems was inefficient, seemingly due primarily to the long type I and II trichomes hindering parasite attachment to the host surface. Only ~20% of Cuscuta seedlings successfully overcame this physical barrier and developed haustoria. These long trichomes also appeared to contribute to resistance during secondary parasitism, as they seemingly impede penetration of the haustoria by bending under the pressure exerted by the dodder stem. As infestation progressed, marked changes were also observed in type VI glandular trichomes. In the vicinity of the parasite, the glandular heads of trichomes often turned brown, exhibited significant autofluorescence and sometimes ruptured, which is consistent with the release of secondary metabolites. During the formation of an epidermal and subepidermal defensive barrier, the heads of additional type VI trichomes darkened, lost turgor and acquired a flattened four-lobed appearance. Together, our findings highlight the importance of trichomes in the defense of tomato plants against dodder and expand our understanding of pre-attachment resistance mechanisms.
In Corsica, citrus cultivation represents a major economic sector, largely based on high-quality products such as ‘Clementine de Corse’ and ‘Pomelo de Corse’, both of which hold a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). However, the harvesting periods of these cultivars create a recurrent production gap between winter and spring, during which imported citrus fruits dominate the market, increasing competitive pressure on local producers. The development of late-ripening citrus varieties adapted to Mediterranean pedoclimatic conditions therefore represents a key strategy to strengthen local production and extend market availability. In this context, the present study evaluates the seasonal physiological and antioxidant responses of a novel triploid mandarin hybrid (designated W9) grafted onto C35 citrange, in comparison with two reference diploid cultivars, clementine and pomelo (‘Star Ruby’ grapefruit), grown under open-field conditions Seasonal parameters were monitored across four seasons, including gas exchange (P net, g s, E, iWUE), chlorophyll fluorescence (F v /F m), oxidative stress markers (H 2 O 2, MDA, proline), ascorbate redox components (Asa, DHA, Asa/DHA), and major antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX, DHAR). Principal component analysis revealed a strong seasonal structuring of physiological responses, driven primarily by photosynthetic performance and redox metabolism. All genotypes exhibited reduced photosynthetic activity during the cold season. The triploid W9 consistently maintained lower H 2 O 2 and MDA levels, particularly during spring, its harvest period. This was associated with a higher Asa/DHA ratio and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, notably CAT, APX, and DHAR. These results suggest that triploidy at the scion level confers improved redox homeostasis without drastically altering photosynthetic capacity, thereby enhancing tolerance to chilling during the winter-to-spring transition. Overall, triploid W9 emerges as a promising late-ripening citrus genotype for Mediterranean production systems, with potential benefits for fruit quality, harvest stability, and reinforcement of the Corsican citrus value chain.
Prodipto Bishnu Angon, Sujit Mondal, Arpita Rani Roy, Arpan Das, Farzana Yeasmin Tithi, Arup Ratan Basak, Abu Talha Pallob, Srishti Chauhan, Jannatul Ferdows Sagar, Md Shihab Uddine Khan, Tahmina Akter, Mohammed Arif Sadik Polash, Md Arif Sakil
Global food security faces unparalleled obstacles due to climate change, increasing population, and micronutrient shortages, which impact billions of people worldwide. Conventional crop breeding methods, although essential, fall short of meeting the swiftly changing agricultural needs of the 21st century. This assessment explores the groundbreaking possibilities of CRISPR-driven genome editing and biofortification methods for creating climate-resilient, nutrient-rich crops. We examine the latest developments in precision genome editing techniques, concentrating on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 for improving stress resistance, disease resistance, and nutritional value in key staple crop species. Combining genomic methods with biofortification offers unique chances to address hidden hunger and enhance climate adaptation at the same time. Compared with traditional plants, CRISPR-modified plants present better drought resilience, greater disease resistance, and higher micronutrient levels. Nevertheless, obstacles persist in regulatory structures, societal acceptance, and fair technology accessibility, especially for small-scale farmers in emerging areas. This review combines existing insights, highlights areas lacking research, and suggests future pathways for utilizing biotechnological advancements to increase agricultural sustainability and human nutrition.
